12-year-old girl fatally shot in Calumet Heights home; several questioned

Investigation Underway

Several people were being questioned by police after a 12-year-old girl was fatally shot inside a Calumet Heights home Sunday night.

Fatal Shooting

Dalilah Batey, 12, had been with another person, only described as a male, inside a front bedroom of a home about 8:30 p.m. when she was shot in her head in the 9200 block of South Harper Avenue, Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.

Dalilah, who suffered a gunshot wound to the right side of her head, was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 9:19 p.m., police said. An autopsy Monday determined she died of a gunshot wound to her face, and her death was ruled a homicide, according to the medical examiner’s office.

Witness Accounts

According to a police report, several people were at the home at the time, including at least one who heard a single gunshot and saw a male exiting the bedroom “shortly thereafter.”

One shell casing from a fired bullet and a bloody jacket were found in the bedroom, and two guns were recovered in the backyard, according to the report.

Neighbor’s Account

Fisher Hughes Jr., 67, said he woke up about 15 minutes after the shooting and looked outside to see several police officers taking away his next-door neighbor, who is a “young man, about 19 or so,” in handcuffs.

Concerns about Safety

Hughes, who doesn’t know Dalilah, told the Sun-Times, “I’m sorry that happened.”

The neighbor Hughes saw apparently being arrested moved to the home with his mother about two years ago and often rides around the block on a scooter wearing all black with a group of males who frequently visit the house.

The resident of five years said he and other neighbors have often witnessed “criminal activity” on the block, including intimidation and a robbery three weeks ago.

Hughes doesn’t plan on moving after the shooting, but he said the risk of staying weighs heavy on him.

“I think about it all the time,” Hughes said.

Previous Incident

It’s not the first time someone has been killed near his home. On Dec. 4, 2021, Nathaniel Allen, 33, was fatally shot near the 67-year-old’s house, according to police. Almonta White, charged with Allen’s murder, is awaiting trial on the case.

Investigation Ongoing

No charges have been announced in Dalilah’s killing. Area 2 detectives are investigating.

Conclusion

The fatal shooting of 12-year-old Dalilah Batey is a devastating tragedy that has left her family, friends, and community in mourning. The investigation is ongoing, and several people have been questioned by police. As the community comes together to process this senseless violence, it is essential to remember the importance of prioritizing safety and addressing the root causes of violence.

FAQs

Q: What happened on the night of the shooting?
A: A 12-year-old girl, Dalilah Batey, was fatally shot in a bedroom of a home in the 9200 block of South Harper Avenue.

Q: Who was with Dalilah at the time of the shooting?
A: A male, who has not been identified, was with Dalilah in the bedroom.

Q: How many people were at the home at the time of the shooting?
A: Several people were at the home, including at least one who heard a single gunshot and saw a male exiting the bedroom “shortly thereafter.”

Q: What is the status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and several people have been questioned by police. No charges have been announced in Dalilah’s killing.